Following the loss to Kentucky in Knoxville, the Tennessee basketball team has reminded everyone of how special this group is. The Vols are on a three-game winning streak, taking down Florida, Missouri and Oklahoma following the setback against the Wildcats.
The No. 4 Vols continue to make statements on the hardwood and they have fans all over the state dreaming of a deep run in the NCAA Tournament being posted. Could an SEC title be on the way for them soon too?
Rick Barnes and Co. no question have the potential to make that happen. At the same time, it sure looks like some team history could be made too. It's hard to believe, but Tennessee has never been a No. 1 seed for March Madness before. That could change in a big way for the upcoming tournament.
Tennessee dominates Oklahoma in Norman. Vols have now beaten two SEC teams --- the Sooners and Florida in the last week by an average of 19 PPG and also scored 80-plus against Missouri. Remember: This program has NEVER been a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 8, 2025
Tennessee basketball is hoping to make history by landing a No. 1 seed this year
It's not going to be easy for the Vols to capture a No. 1 seed, but their resume is impressive right now (20-4) and things will only get better for them if they can post some key wins down the stretch. Come Tuesday night, a huge game is on the way against Kentucky, with UT hoping to get some revenge.
This team had a similar mindset when facing then No. 5 Florida earlier this month. When the two sides played at Florida, the Gators posted a 30-point win. Tennessee responsed with a 20-point W on its home floor.
In the recent win over Missouri, Igor Milicic and Zakai Zeigler returned to action and powered the tesm to a close victory. Against the Sooners, UT's defense was superb, while Chaz Lanier posted 21 points in the lopsided win. It was great to see for Lanier.
Following Tuesday's tilt with UK, there are still three games for the Vols against ranked teams: No. 10 Texas A&M, No. 3 Alabama and No. 25 Ole Miss. Those matchups will be key in this squad trying to grab a coveted No. 1 seed in the Big Dance. A lot can happen from now until then, but the Vols are positioning themselves nicely to make some great program history.